How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Ronda, Spain

Ronda, a historic town in the south of Spain, is referred to as the Ciudad Soñada, or the “City of Dreams.” While the epithet is sometimes attributed to the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, Ronda has maintained a romantic aura for centuries, drawing artists like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles to its mountaintop setting. 

A large part of Ronda’s identity can be credited to its topography and architecture. “Ronda is considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities due to its spectacular location, the deep ravine (Tajo), and the surrounding mountains, called Serranía de Ronda,” says Maike Ange, a ToursByLocals guide based in Ronda. Puente Nuevo, or the “New Bridge,” is one of the town’s three bridges traversing the 400-foot gorge, which splits the town into El Mercadillo (“New Town”) and La Ciudad (“Old Town”). The dramatic views, however, are still just a sliver of Ronda’s appeal.

Both Ronda’s appearance and history — there’s evidence it dates back to the Neolithic period, and both Roman and Moorish ruins are still present — are impressive, yet the destination itself is far from overwhelming. “As it is a small town, you feel a sense of familiarity instantly” explains Ange. “Ronda's top sights are within walking distance, making evenings magical when the day crowds have left and romantic lights illuminate the bridge and surroundings.”

While you could easily tack on a day trip to Ronda from nearby Málaga, there’s plenty to do to justify a longer visit. “For any newcomers to Ronda, I ... recommend combining [a] walking tour with an immersive visit to the fascinating [wineries], famous olive oil mills, or the world-renowned bull ranch,” says Roland Klawitter, who also provides tours of the area. “Don't miss the iconic Goyesca Bullfight, participate in the Lady Goyesca contest, or challenge yourself by ascending the via ferrata.”

Ready to plan your trip to one of the oldest towns in Spain? Read on to discover everything you need to make the most of your time in Ronda, according to local experts.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Parador de Ronda 

Both Ange and Klawitter put Parador de Ronda on their list of the best hotels in the area. “Once a town hall, this hotel, located adjacent to the Puente Nuevo, provides breathtaking views of the El Tajo gorge. It's a fusion of historical allure with modern conveniences,” says Klawitter. Ange also notes its “central location and amenities,” the latter of which includes a seasonal swimming pool, an art collection, and a walkable garden. 

Catalonia Reina Victoria 

Ange describes Catalonia Reina Victora as a traditional hotel that still feels “one of a kind.” “Even after renovations in recent years, it retains the charm of its historic roots, with beautiful views and lush gardens surrounding the property,” she says. Klawitter also says the hotel was “once frequented by poet Rainer Maria Rilke.”

Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera

“If you prefer to stay in the outskirts of the city, Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera is a charming rural hotel, located a few kilometers [away],” says Ange. Guests can expect homey rooms and suites — most come with their own fireplaces — as well as private terraces, an outdoor pool, and plenty of space to rest and relax. 

Best Things to Do

Plaza de Toros

“The Plaza de Toros de Ronda is the oldest and most beautiful bullring in Spain. Make sure to see this historic arena, which is only used for bullfights three days of the year during the Feria de Pedro Romero festival,” says Ange. Klawitter also shares that during the festival — hosted the first week of September — a “vibrant procession of horse-drawn carriages around Ronda's streets” is paired with the Corridas Goyescas (the bullfights), and “everyone, from spectators to matadors, dresses in traditional 18th-century Goyesque attire.” “Even if bullfighting isn't your cup of tea, the remarkable architecture and storied history make it a must-visit,” he adds, noting that the bullring “houses a museum detailing the evolution of the sport since the 18th century, and the audio-guided tour is both enlightening and memorable.”

Puente Nuevo

“The New Bridge is the symbol of Ronda and certainly is its main attraction,” says Ange. You can check it off your to-do list quickly, but to fully experience the bridge, she says, you need to “walk around it from all angles using the various paths along the Tajo ravine.” As a starting point, you can see both the bridge and its waterfall from the Arco del Cristo viewpoint. Another option is the Jardines de Cuenca, where the Mirador de Cuenca provides an amazing bridge scene. 

Arab Baths

“The Arab Baths in Ronda were built at the end of the 13th century, during the period of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula. The baths are located near the old bridge (Puente Viejo) in the historic part of Ronda. They're situated on the banks of the river, which is where they would have sourced the water,” says Klawitter. They’re designed with three zones (cold, warm, and hot rooms); each is a fascinating look into the architecture of the period. 

Via Ferrata

For more active travelers, the via ferrata is an adrenaline-pumping, strength-testing way to get a different view of Ronda’s attractions. Difficulty levels vary among via ferrata routes, but Ronda’s course tends to be good for beginners, who will spend a couple of hours climbing along the path’s steel fixtures.

Mondragón Palace

For a dose of Ronda history, head to Mondragón Palace, a Moorish building from the 14th century. Home to the Ronda Municipal Museum, it’s the perfect place to learn more about the town's past inhabitants and understand how Ronda has changed over the last several hundred years. Make sure to save time for the palace’s photogenic courtyards and water gardens overlooking the gorge. 

Best Shopping

Calle La Bola

“Calle La Bola (also known as Carrera Espinel) is the primary shopping hub in Ronda, boasting an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary stores. From artisanal crafts to chic boutiques, there's something for every shopper,” says Klawitter. You’ll find Calle La Bola in El Mercadillo, and the entire street is just over a half mile. 

Convent of the Barefoot Carmelites

Not too far from Calle La Bola sits one of Ange’s shopping highlights. “For travelers who love local specialties, I recommend the cookies and sweets prepared and sold at the Convent of the Barefoot Carmelites, where you can purchase keepsakes sold by the nuns stationed in an enclosure beside the Church of Our Lady of Mercy,” she shares. 

Best Restaurants

Bardal

Ronda may be small in size, but its culinary options are far from underwhelming. Case in point: chef Benito Gómez’s Bardal. “For fine dining in Ronda, visit the two-star Michelin restaurant Bardal. It draws foodies who appreciate creative, locally sourced cuisine paired with select wines,” says Ange. 

Tragatá

Also owned by chef Gómez, Tragatá “serves up small plates and local dishes made with products from the area,” says Ange. Klawitter describes the tapas bar as a “culinary gem offering a contemporary take on classic Andalusian dishes.”

Pedro Romero 

According to Ange, Pedro Romero is a top Ronda restaurant, thanks to its “traditional Spanish cuisine like suckling pig, roasted lamb, and bull tail stew.” Plus, its visual identity is incredibly unique: “With its decor of bullfighter photos and autographs, it recalls the atmosphere of the bullfighting ring,” she explains. 

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Ronda are the spring and fall. “During the peak summer season... it is extremely hot, with [temperatures] around 104 degrees Fahrenheit during the day,” says Ange, who suggests travelers visit in April, May, September, or October. According to Klawitter, these months give way to “ideal conditions.” “The weather is moderate, and nature is in full splendor, with spring boasting wildflowers and fall showcasing warm autumnal shades,” he says.

How to Get There

Ronda is located between Seville and Málaga, allowing for multiple transportation options for travelers making their way to the town. The nearest airports are Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and Seville Airport (SVQ), both of which are under a two-hour drive away. If travelers don’t care to rent a car to navigate Ronda, they can opt to take the train or bus; the latter is usually the more affordable option.

How to Get Around

Include walking shoes on your pack list, as you’ll need comfortable footwear to get the most out of your trip. “Walking is the most immersive way to explore Ronda” says Klawitter. “Given its compact nature, the town's major attractions are easily accessible by foot.”